Vargas said he supports LB 947 and would back an effort to bring it back next session if Ricketts’ veto stands.

He said it would allow young people to develop themselves and help the community, including by creating small businesses. “This is an economic and community development issue,” Vargas said.

Vargas, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from Peru, is a former teacher who now works as an education consultant. He was appointed to the school board in 2013.

Vargas said he wants to involve more people from economically, racially and ethnically diverse South Omaha in the political process. He noted that fewer than 2,000 people voted in the District 7 primary in 2012.

“That’s telling me that we don’t have a community that’s engaged in the process,” Vargas said. “I’m trying very diligently to reach and engage people who have not been engaged in years.”